Texoma Area Paratransit System (TAPS Public Transit ) on Sept. 18, announced that Tim Patton has been named interim chief executive officer and executive director. Patton has been chief operations officer since 2012.
The appointment comes after former CEO and Executive Director Brad Underwood notified the board of directors at their regular meeting this week, that he would resign, effective immediately.
Jay Davidson, chairperson of the TAPS board, said he knew Underwood was wanting to move on after nearly 7 years at the helm. "The TAPS you see today is a testament to what Brad Underwood brought to the agency, with an unlimited vision of how much public transit could offer the communities it serves," said Davidson.
Going forward, Davidson said the core mission is to develop a plan that takes into consideration changes in how public transportation is funded. "TAPS has always been innovative in creating public and private partnerships. We will continue to rely on creativity to improve and expand service."
"Next year is the 30th anniversary of this little agency that grew to be one of the most visible in the nation," said Patton. "My commitment is to continue that momentum and dedication to service as we transition to new leadership. Growing pains are inevitable, and we've had them."
